Trust Fall - Pt 2

But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. (Jude 1:17-23 ESV). Yesterday we looked at the life of Peter, how that even a man of such great faith could have periods of doubt. Today we share another verse about doubt. It is very important to realize that doubt, by itself, is not a sin. Often we make that mistake and add the problem of false guilt to our wavering faith. It is one of the devil’s best weapons! In our reading this morning, we are told to be merciful to those who doubt. God does provide mercy to doubters. Remember the storm and Peter’s experience yesterday of walking on the water to Jesus? When Jesus reached out His hand to Peter, He didn't scold Peter. He certainly didn't take away Peter's salvation. He gently reminded him that everything was going to be okay. Doubting by the believer is a part of our human nature. We are still battling the flesh. We still witness the storms of life and they sometimes seem bigger than we can handle. Which is the point exactly, because they usually are! Christ didn't criticize Peter, because it gave Him the perfect opportunity to once again demonstrate His grace to Peter. As He reached out His hand to grab Peter, and they returned to the boat, Peter and the other disciples declared, "Truly this is the Son of God"! It is true that God does want our faith. He wants us to decrease our doubts. Hebrews 11:6 says "without faith it is impossible to please God". We can't just always doubt and never grow in our faith. And, most importantly, the one who never gets beyond their doubt and always questions Christ could not, in my opinion, be truly saved. But, our doubts are a part of growing in the knowledge of the Lord. As we become more and more like Christ we will doubt less and less. Until then we continue to place our faith daily in Christ and Him alone, weathering the storms of life, not by ourselves, but by the hand of the Living God. Perhaps today you can exchange your doubts for a stronger faith in God, knowing that He is always with you, wherever you go. Once again, I say to you, God is in control! Trust Him!

Trust Fall - Pt 1

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:28-33 ESV). Are you ever tempted to doubt? Many years ago, when I was still involved with the youth of our church in their summer camps, we made low-ropes a part of the camp experience. One of the exercises was the “trust fall.” It involved one person standing on a platform about three feet above the ground, facing backward to a group of six others and falling into their arms. It was designed to build a sense of “trust.” It is an amazing way to help overcome fears and teach the principle of faith. The first time anyone does it is always the hardest, however it is never easy to trust yourself into the care of others so completely. Even when you have done it over and over, it is scary. Life is that way sometimes, isn't it? We know who God is, that He can do what He says He can, and that He will. What is more difficult is seeing that played out everyday of our life, especially when the storms of life come our way. No matter how many times He delivers us, the next time the wind blows may cause us to doubt again. Peter is a good example of this principle. Peter was the disciple whose faith Jesus used as an example of the foundation for the church. Peter was the Rock who left his fishing business to follow Christ. Peter cut off the Roman soldier's ear when they tried to arrest Jesus. Peter was capable of great faith. It certainly took faith to step out of that boat. Jesus called to him from the boat, and Peter volunteered to come to Jesus. Jesus didn't even ask him to. Think of the amazing faith it must have taken to make that first step onto the water. But, when the wind picked up a bit, Peter was ready to doubt. He started to sink. He couldn't see Christ for the fear of this world. Ever doubt? Is the ever a time when you just can't see what God is doing, because the circumstances of life are bigger than you can handle? Jesus would say to us what He said to Peter: "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" If you and I have our eyes on Jesus, we have nothing to fear! Have no doubt my, God is in control!

The Floogie Bird

As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith. (1 Timothy 1:3-7; 18-19 ESV). I have truly entered the 21st Century! I know how and have used the GPS and navigation feature of my IPhone! For the longest time I have been very bad with directions. Consequently I frequently have printed directions from the maps feature on my computer. I must say that it is must simpler and safer to use my phone application. All that is necessary to program it is to locate where you want to go and use your “current location” and just follow the directions on the display and you’ll arrive at the correct place! The phone even speaks to you in one of several “voices” according to your preselected menu allowing you not to be forced to look at the map. I always love the countdown of the directions in miles ultimate to 100’s of feet! Technology still amazes me. Our reading this morning gives instructions to Timothy to direct the course of the church. The same principles apply in our lives individually also. Paul wrote of the importance of holding on to "faith and a good conscience." We can do that by carefully reading and following the directions in God's Word, depending on the Spirit's leading and moment-by-moment help, and listening to the wise counsel of concerned Christian friends. Harry S. Truman said, “Men who live in the past remind me of a toy I'm sure all of you have seen. The toy is a small wooden bird called the ‘Floogie Bird.’ Around the Floogie Bird's neck is a label reading, ‘I fly backwards; I don't care where I'm going. I just want to see where I've been.’” Don’t be a Floogie Bird! How are you doing? Are you on course or in danger of being lost? Determine right now to live in faith and holiness, staying on course until you are safely home.

The Redwoods of Muir

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. (Colossians 2:1-10 ESV). Mary and I have vacationed in San Francisco and Sonoma Valley. We did some sightseeing while we were there, though most of the time was spent doing absolutely nothing. One of the tours we took was very interesting. We visited Muir Woods, home to some of California’s giant Redwoods. If you have been to Yosemite or Sequoia National Park you have enjoyed the beauty of these majestic Redwoods. They are so huge that cars can drive through them. Pictures cannot do them justice in their majesty. A quiet walk through the canopy of redwoods is a wonderful way to spend some time. There is an interesting fact about these trees. They reach so high you can't see the tops, however they have a very shallow root system. The roots practically lay on top of the ground. When you consider the height and weight of the trees and the high winds in the mountains, it is amazing that these trees don't come crashing down during the first storm. The answer is in the forest itself. The forest saves the trees. It is the grove factor, the trees growing in proximity to one another help the great Redwoods to withstand nature's onslaught. What happens is the roots reach out in all directions and they get tangled up with the roots from other Redwoods. The roots grow together, intertwining with each other and creating a stabilizing root bed that helps each tree continue to stand. A lone Redwood tree growing alone wouldn't last long, but a Redwood forest can last for thousands of years. That's the way it should be with us as believers. We need to be "knit together in love" to grow strong, to be stable and to be able to stand as Christians. God has established the forest, which we call the church in which we are to grow. We sink our roots into the local body and become entwined with each other's lives. Then when the storms of life start blowing, we too, are stabilized and able to withstand the winds of affliction, temptation and persecution. The church should be our second family. They are that important to our stability. Root yourself in a strong family!

Quail for Dinner

And the LORD said to Moses, “I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’” In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. (Exodus 16:11-14 ESV). Some time ago we spent a little time dealing with the Manna that God provided for Israel while they were in the wilderness. When the people began to complain that all they had to eat was “frosted flakes” God heard them and sent them quail for dinner! There is a marvelous truth in the midst of this passage. Every good and perfect gift is from above. We ought to remember that God is the Alpha and the Omega. This world has nothing on our God. He was before television, microwaves, computers, and DVD's! This is a string reminder that God cares for us. Not just in a practical sense, but in the pleasures of life as well. God cares about our taste buds, our sense of smell, and our appetites! Praise God, too, because can you imagine eating tree roots and leaves all our life? However, we ought to also realize that God's timing is always perfect. I think about the hours and dollars invested in the timing of the release of a product. God knew just when to send the quail. It must have disappointed him in that they did not trust him for his timing. They grumbled and complained. I wonder how often we have been guilty of the same attitudes? We seem to have conditioned ourselves to wanting what we want when we want it. And, that timing is almost always now. Sometimes we ought to step back from our now attitude and realize that God’s timing is always best. I must confess that is much harder, but it always best. He is the first among all things, He cares for you, and He is always, always, and always right on time! In 1893, engineer George Ferris built a machine that bears his name, the Ferris wheel. When it was finished, he invited a newspaper reporter to accompany him and his wife for the inaugural ride. It was a windy July day, so a stiff breeze struck the wheel with great force as it slowly began its rotation. Despite the wind, the wheel turned flawlessly. After one revolution, Ferris called for the machine to be stopped so that he, his wife, and the reporter could step out. In braving that one revolution on the windblown Ferris wheel, each occupant demonstrated genuine faith. Mr. Ferris began with the scientific knowledge that the machine would work and that it would be safe. Mrs. Ferris and the reporter believed the machine would work on the basis of what the inventor had said. But only after the ride could it be said of all three that they had personal, experiential faith. Jesus walked among us to prove that God’s provision is always available. Trust Him!

A Straight Path

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil. (Proverbs 4:25-27 ESV). Can you imagine living in the desert for a whole year, observing the activity of a mound of busy fire ants? Deborah Gordon of The Santa Fe Institute did exactly that, and discovered four main groups of workers: cleaners, haulers, gatherers, and security ants. Each category consisted of an ever-moving line of ants marching in cadence toward a specific goal. Cleaners carried debris from inside the nest, to a dumping ground. Hauler ants circled the top of the mound, clearing clutter from the entrance. Gatherers marched off on time-consuming missions for food, and security members fought off threats to the community at large. How could one person observe so much? Deborah painstakingly painted a tiny dot of color on the back of each ant, to the tune of over 50,000 dots! The dots enabled Deborah to chart the course of each line of workers. One of the most fascinating aspects of her study was watching the ants overcome obstacles and threats to their orderly world, a stick across the trail, invading insects, lack of water, and fire. Haulers immediately stopped to help gatherers; cleaners came to the aid of the security force. None ran for cover, but scurried to and fro, working to protect and serve each other. They overcame obstacles by fulfilling their own tasks, then helping fellow members of the community to excel at their tasks, too. Complex adaptive behavior. That's what Deborah called the ants' behavior. How adaptive are we when unexpected obstacles or events litter our path? How do we react when people around us stumble? What have we done this week to make our community and world a better place? They're questions worth pondering. We prize our privacy. There have been so many new laws and regulations developed to insure that we may be left alone that our sense of community is being threatened. The ants of Deborah Gordon’s study have something to teach us about that. Valentines is a time to celebrate relationships. What better time to determine how “straight” your paths are!

What's Your Mat?

After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. (John 5:1-9 ESV). In order to appreciate the value of Jesus' command here, you really need to think about the culture of the day. Today, although some may feel we don't do enough, there are limited opportunities for the physically handicapped to work and lead productive lives. In Christ's time on earth, the handicapped were basically outcast. They lived off of the handouts they could obtain from begging. In this instance, the man had been crippled for a long time. Probably the only possessions he had were the clothes on his back and the mat on which he lay. His existence was one to be pitied. There was no real known cure for what ailed him (except Jesus), and even if there were, he certainly couldn't have afforded it. Jesus has sympathy for the man, and with the spoken word, the man is healed. Jesus tells him to "Get up!" take his mat and walk. Obviously this was a gift greater than anything money could buy. Let me ask you a question. What’s your mat? What are you holding on to today? This man was holding on to his mat. It had surely become a treasured possession to him. He slept on it, rested on it, and watched the world pass by on it. He couldn't have imagined facing the day without it. Jesus tells him to pick it up and walk. When Jesus was finished with the man, he didn't need the mat anymore. It would take faith to trust Jesus and attempt to walk, but the victory was worth it all. What would Jesus have you to pick up today? Are you resting on your church membership? Are you trusting in your bank account? Are you drowning in your sorrow? Are you moping about the setbacks of your life? Are you suffering from the sin that has wrecked everything around you? Do you fail to commit to God because you are afraid He can't accept you? Whatever is keeping you down, I believe Jesus would say, "Pick up your mat and walk!" Trust Him with that in which you now trust the most. Permit Him to see you through the difficult days of life. Allow Him to carry your burdens, strengthen your walk and brighten your hope for the future. He is still the Miracle Maker, and He can still heal a broken heart. Jesus wants to help you. Listen for His command to pick up your mat and walk!

Amazing Jesus

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. (Mark 6:45-52 ESV). Our reading today combines Jesus with his disciples in a small boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. It was during the evening hours and the wind had come up making the sea very rough for the small fishing boat. It was a wonderful opportunity for Jesus to instruct the disciples in his amazing grace and power. They were so afraid that they might drown in the storm that when they saw Jesus waling out toward them on the water, they could only believe it was a ghost! Now they really were terrified! First at the storm, then at what they thought was a ghost. Jesus gets into the boat, speaks a couple of words, the winds die down, and everything is back to normal. The disciples are stunned. They simply couldn’t believe what they had witnessed. Jesus had amazed the disciples one more time! I have always wondered why they didn’t get it? They had seen so many miracles at the hands of Jesus. Just hours earlier they had seen him take five small loaves of bread and two fish and feed over five thousand people with plenty left over for lunch the next day! And, they still were amazed. I must confess that no matter how many times I see the wonder of God’s work, I am still amazed. I think this constant amazement of the miracles of Jesus is designed to build our faith. The word "amazed" appears 37 times in reference to people’s reactions about Jesus. Really there’s no other way to put it. There isn’t another word to use as a descriptive for the work of God in the world. It is true today. If we are seeking an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we will be amazed. We will be amazed at the peace He provides; amazed at the joy He brings; amazed at the abundance He provides. If God is not amazing you anymore you may need to check your relationship to Him. He is an amazing God! Turn to him and be amazed again!

Mere Humans

“I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass, and have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, and you fear continually all the day because of the wrath of the oppressor, when he sets himself to destroy? And where is the wrath of the oppressor? He who is bowed down shall speedily be released; he shall not die and go down to the pit, neither shall his bread be lacking. I am the LORD your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the LORD of hosts is his name. And I have put my words in your mouth and covered you in the shadow of my hand, establishing the heavens and laying the foundations of the earth, and saying to Zion, ‘You are my people.’” (Isaiah 51:12-16 ESV). Isaiah wrote during a very trying time in Judah. They were on the brink of destruction and captivity. The Assyrians had already captured the Northern Kingdom some years before. Now the Babylonians were encamped about Jerusalem and waiting for her to fall. There was great fear in the land. The uncertainty and feeling of doom was palpable. Then the prophet brings a great message of hope and promise to those who would believe him. He says, "I, even I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear?” Why be afraid of mere humans when God is on your side? That’s a message for today! Perhaps you have been afraid of something lately. Perhaps it is your work, your boss, your spouse, your children, your debt, your obligations, your commitments, or your reputation. I’m sure that you have managed to look good on the outside. Everyone says you are doing great, but inside, you, and God, know that you have been allowing the world to take some of the joy away. Perhaps it’s been a long time since you have felt you had the perfect peace of God’s promise. Well, let's do something about that today! Let God be God today! Remember why He is God! That He is the infinite, all-powerful, all knowing, Creator and Protector, Sovereign God! That He truly is our Maker, our Redeemer, our Friend, and our Savior! Let's recognize jointly that He is ABLE; far greater than any efforts the opposing side may promote! He is the God who set the Heavens into place and all that we see around us is within His control! Let's remember that He sent us a mighty Savior, who suffered and died just for us, and that He is preparing a place for you and me right now! Let's look Heavenward today, expecting a clap, a trumpet, the end of sin for you and me, the beginning of an eternity where there will be no more pain, no more sorrow, no more tears! Let's not be afraid of the world and all it has for us today! Let's concentrate on what is ahead for you and me who believe and who have received a wonderful Savior! We have a hope! It is not based on mortal men who are but grass, but on a living, active, personal God, who cares for you and me! After all, those who would cause you to fear are mere humans! What are they compared to God!

Black Bart

You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (Matthew 7:16-20 ESV). Sometimes history is entertaining as well as educational. In September of 1878, Black Bart robs a Wells Fargo stagecoach in California. Wearing a flour sack over his head, the armed robber stole the small safe box with $400 and a passenger's diamond ring and watch. When the empty box was recovered, a taunting poem signed "Black Bart" was found inside: Here I lay me down to sleep to wait the coming morrow, Perhaps success, perhaps defeat And everlasting sorrow, Yet come what will, I'll try it once, My conditions can't be worse, And if there's money in that box, 'Tis money in my purse. This wasn't the first time that Black Bart had robbed a stagecoach and left a poem for the police; however, it was the last time he got away with it. His next stagecoach robbery secured a lot more cash, $4,800, but he accidentally left behind a handkerchief at the scene. Through a laundry mark, Pinkerton detectives traced the handkerchief back to Charles Bolton, an elderly man in San Francisco. Bolton later confessed to being Black Bart but bitterly disputed his reputation as an outlaw. "I am a gentleman," he told detectives with great dignity. How Bolton became Black Bart is unclear. What is known is that Bolton had tried to hit it big in the Gold Rush, but had ended up with a lifestyle beyond his means. Due to his advanced age, Black Bart served only a short stretch in prison and spent the rest of his days in Nevada. Bolton may have asserted that he was a “gentleman,” but his actions certainly denied his honesty. Our reading this morning is a part of the teaching of Jesus cautioning us to examine our actions, not merely our words. It is easy to talk about being godly. The real test is in how we act. Take a little time today and reexamine your daily activities, attitudes, and actions. Measure them against Jesus’ example. That will tell you what kind of “tree” you really are!

Jacob and the Lord - Pt 3

And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:27-28 ESV). Jacob was wrestling for his life! We have seen the last couple of days that Jacob was alone before God. He was about to face his past. He was heading to meet his brother, after 20 years of running. This was a frightening time, so Jacob sent his family and all his possessions away and came empty handed to face the Lord. I don't know whether he intended to meet with God, or just to be alone, but God met with him, and it was an experience that would change Jacob's life forever! After the wrestling match with God, "the man" who Jacob doesn't know yet to be God, asks Jacob an important question. (Point of Information: Any question from God is important!) He asks Jacob, "what is your name"? Had God wrestled with Jacob all this time and not known his name? The answer to this question is undoubtedly NO! God knew Jacob. God had pre-ordained the days of Jacob's life. He had planned out his very existence before the beginning of time. God knew his father Isaac and his grandfather Abraham. God knew Jacob's children and his grandchildren, including King David who would one day be in the lineage of Jacob. God had numbered the hairs on Jacob's head. He knew him in his mother's womb. And, God had planned this wrestling match! Of course God knew Jacob. This was a deeper question. It got to the heart of the matter. Tomorrow we will see that Jacob gets a new name. He had been known to the world as Jacob, the rascal, the deceiver, the trickster. He was known as the one who stole his brother's birthright. He was known as a man who followed God, but often took things into his own hands. God wanted to know after the wrestling match, not who Jacob had been, but who he was today. May I ask you a question? What is your name? Not what you have been called all your life. Not who you have been perceived to be. I don't want to know about the sin of your past. Who are you today? Have you accepted Christ? Are you a new creation? Have you grown in the Lord? Are you known by your relationship with God? Do people recognize God being active in your life? I'm sorry if this illustration makes you feel uncomfortable, but it works. If your funeral were to be held today, how would you be remembered? What would they say about you, the child of God? Better yet, what would God say about you? Can you answer the question facing Jacob: What IS your name?

Jacob and the Lord - Pt 2

The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (Genesis 32:22-26 ESV). Yesterday we looked at Jacob’s experience with the Lord just prior to meeting with his brother, who he had wronged. The reading indicates he “wrestled” with the Lord. I am convinced, based on reading the rest of the passage, that Jacob had a one on one experience with the Living God. Jacob had a mission to meet his brother Esau for the first time in 20 years. He had been hiding all this time, and God wanted him to right the wrongs of the past. God had an appointment for Jacob that would mold his character forever. Jacob had come to this place, because he simply didn't know how to face the day he had ahead. Have you ever been in a place so desperate, where you needed an answer so bad that you felt like you couldn’t go forward in life until you had a peace or an answer? We want everything quick and easy, don't we? We don’t like the idea of a struggle. But sooner or later, something big will face us and we find out we’re way out of shape. Wrestling on our own has not prepared us for the really tough opponents of life. When we face a heavy weight problem we sometimes just aren't ready to battle, at least not on our own. Jacob was in trouble. He was desperate. He was wrestling with lifelong problems and patterns. He was wrestling with being on the run for twenty years. He was wrestling with the fear of meeting his brother, possibly even facing death. He needed answers, and in a most unusual fashion, God came down in a physical form to test his endurance and determination. They wrestled together all night long. It is a reminder to us that sometimes our problems in life cannot be solved on our own. We need that personal intervention, that personal touch from God. Jacob faced God so that he might show Jacob his need to depend on him alone. When the wrestling match was over, and Jacob realized whom he had been fighting, Jacob knew his life had really been spared. He came to know God in a more intimate way. Are you facing something difficult? Is your need great? How bad do you want it? There really isn’t any need for you to go on “wrestling.” God wants to show you the way. He wants t bless you. Yield to him today. The more you struggle, the more peace will elude you.

Jacob and the Lord - Pt 1

The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (Genesis 32:22-26 ESV). For the next few days we are going to look at a time in the life of Jacob, which changed him forever. Jacob, you may recall, was the child of Isaac, and the grandson of Abraham. Jacob was a twin. He grabbed the heel of his brother Esau while still in his mother's womb. He tricked his twin brother out of his birthright, and then fled to a relative's house to hide. He marries Leah, and then Rachel, and has children. He is blessed of God, and through his family will come King David and eventually Jesus, but there is something wrong in his life. He knows he must reconcile with his brother Esau. He has made the necessary arrangements, and tomorrow the meeting will take place. When we get to this point in our story, Jacob is facing a tough night. The following morning he will go to meet his brother for the first time in 20 years. He hasn't seen him since he ran away after tricking Esau out of what was due him. "That night" would be a major test of his faith. "That night" was very important. Have you ever had one of "those nights"? Have you had nights where you knew you had to make a decision or do something the next day that you dreaded, and you couldn’t sleep? Jacob felt the need to be alone. Ever feel that way? Jacob had a trial to face, and he needed some time alone. I don't know if he intended to meet the Lord or not, but the Lord certainly intended to meet him. We will see that played out this week. One thing you need to know before we get started, however. If we are going to be strong in the Lord, then we must find time to be alone with God. Jacob needed it before he faced this challenge. What challenge are you facing today? Do you need to spend a little time alone with God? Many people tell me they don’t know how to spend time alone with God. Their mind begins to wander to all the things they have to do. Let me make a few suggestions for a brief time alone with God. 1. First, find a quiet place. No music or TV playing in the background. 2. Second, read a passage from the Bible in a contemporary translation. It doesn’t need to be lengthy, a paragraph or two will do for a start. I have often suggested reading a chapter from Proverbs that corresponds to the day of the month. 3. Third, write one thought that comes to you mind as you read. It may have a personal application and it may not. However, write it down in a “journal.” 4. Last, pray for youself and your family. Ask God to bless that day for each of them. Try these things for a month and see if your time alone with God doesn’t get easier and easier!

The Centurion - Pt 2

After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. (Luke 7:1-7 ESV). Today we look at another important principle from this experience out of the ministry of Jesus. It is at the heart of our understanding of grace. We being with the question of what we believe we "deserve" from God. Do your sometimes think that your good behavior warrants His immediate attention? Do you think that your church attendance dictates that He perform for you? Should your position in the community determine your position within the Kingdom of God? I hope you have not made these thoughts a regular part of your daily life. However, perhaps you have known someone who expected God to bless them, because of something they had done. I see it all the time. It is interesting to me that this Roman centurion went to the elders of the Israelite church to seek out the Jesus whom he had heard about. This Roman, who probably followed Roman gods, went to another faith to seek help for his friend. When the elders take the request to Jesus, they insist that the centurion "deserves" Jesus' help, since he was such a good centurion. When Jesus does heal the man, He does it not because of the man's service, but because of the man's faith. This is an important principle of God that we need to understand. You and I are not blessed because of who we are, or what we have done, as much as we are blessed because of who he is, and what he has done. Can you sense the difference? Yes, God does reward us for faithful service, but that is done because He is a loving God, not because we are anything special. That special quality in us comes only from our relationship with Him. In fact, the Bible says that we "deserve" death because of our sins, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus! Praise Him today for not giving us what deserve, but instead giving us what we don't deserve! Thank God today for the grace he has extended to you in spite of what you have deserved!

The Centurion - Pt 1

After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. (Luke 7:1-6 ESV). Jesus ministered on an individual basis. In the story we will look at for the next few days, Jesus reached out to heal the servant of a Roman centurion. To understand this story, you need to know that a centurion was a Roman citizen, in charge of at least 100 military men. This was an important and powerful position. He understood what it was to be a leader. Additionally, he understood what it was to follow the chain of command. He lived a life that centered around obedience and loyalty. As we begin the story, we see that this centurion is a good employer. He is concerned about the welfare of one of his servants. You really know someone cares when they reach out to you when you are hurting. Everyone seems to want to be around you when you are feeling well. It takes a special person to reach out to those who is sick. This centurion invests his care into the life of his servant. In a strong class system, the servant would have had no real rights, except those given to him by his master. This centurion, however, is not concerned about his servant’s class in society; he is concerned about his well-being. This is an incredible example for us! The interesting phrase in today's passage is "the centurion heard of Jesus". How would he "hear of Jesus"? This man was a Roman soldier. He was one of the elite. He had heard of a carpenter’s son. Imagine that! How did you "hear of Jesus"? Did someone tell you about Him? Did you read about Him in a Bible? Did He come to you suddenly, as He did to the apostle Paul? We don't know how this centurion heard of Jesus, and, for that matter, I don't know how you heard of Jesus. The important issue is that you have heard of Jesus. Hearing of Jesus is a life-changing event, as we will see from looking at this story. Have you heard? Praise God today if you have heard of Jesus!

In the Middle of the Storm

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:35-41 ESV). This morning’s reading is comical. I can just imagine the smile on Jesus’ face when he asked the disciples why they were so afraid? Jesus was in the boat. Of course He was going to calm the storm. What else could he do? He had so much more ministry ahead of Him. He had to endure the cross for the payment of our sin debt. That is why He came. It wasn't His time to die, so He had to calm the storm. That makes perfect sense to us now, on the other side of the storm, but it didn't make sense to the disciples in the middle of the storm. They thought they were being obedient to Christ. They were just doing what He told them to do. Now, along comes this furious squall about to wreck the boat and their lives and all they can think about is getting Jesus to help bail water! Isn't that what happens in our life when storms come our way? What was Christ doing when He made the disciples get into the boat, and what was God doing when He sent the storm on the water? He was teaching them to trust in Him! If you find yourself in the midst of a major storm, it may be helpful to remember two things. First, just being in the storm doesn't mean you aren't in the center of God's will for your life. The disciples were. They were faithfully serving Him, going where He told them to go, and yet the storm came upon them quickly. Second, God reacts more times than not with surprises in life. Throughout scripture, God seemed to bring "surprises" on His people. Remember right after the Israelites left captivity in Egypt, God changed Pharaoh's heart and he sent a major army after the Israelites. When David was called to be king, God allowed Saul to chase him, and nearly kill him. David spent a great deal of time in fear. When Paul fell on his face before the Lord, giving his life completely to Him, he found himself being persecuted wherever he went. Each of these men was "surprised" by God, and yet they were right where God wanted them to be. God does bring surprises to His people. It is one of His ways of teaching us. His ways are not our ways and yet He always has our best interest at heart, even in the "surprises". Trust him with everything in your life!

In Awe of God

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:35-41 ESV). Not long ago we talked a little about being surprised by God. As I reread that passage, I was struck by the highlighted verses. After the disciples were "surprised" by God, there was an even deeper emotion, the fear of God! You see, when you and I realize how awesome God is, we will begin to fear Him in a whole new way. It is a reverent, respectful, and holy way. Remember that Jesus told them to get into the boat. They were following His orders. Then God sent a furious storm that threatened the boat and the safety of all the men. Jesus was asleep during all of this. Christ was leading the disciples in a major teaching lesson aimed at growing their faith in Him. And, as you can see, it worked! The disciples saw Christ as they had never seen Him before. Perhaps that is happening to you. As you go through this "surprise" of God in your life, is can be placing you in a closer walk with Him. Is it? You have found yourself somewhere you didn't expect to be. You certainly wouldn't have planned it. It isn't fun. And, yet, you felt that you were in the middle of God's will. You may very well be in God's will, and still be facing a major storm. As we have seen this week, God often sends surprises in the life of a Christian so that we will have opportunity to grow our faith in Him. When we experience His greatness in a new way, we fear Him more, realizing that He alone is worthy of our respect and praise. We begin to trust Him more, because we know that even storms of life obey Him. Next time you find yourself in a God size surprise, a storm of life, ask God what He is trying to teach you. Be patient as He equips you for the battle, strengthens your faith, and molds you more into the image of His Son. If the surprise is from God, it can only be for your good. God is full of "surprises". Thank Him for that fact today!

Hot and Dry

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. (Isaiah 41:17-18 ESV). For the past few weeks I have been doing a lot of work outside. It has been very hot and dry. After a few hours of yard work, or light construction, I feel as though I am dying of thirst. I often think I could drink a gallon of water without curing that kind of thirst. The Israelites got thirsty. In the wilderness, so far from Egypt, when the temperatures got hot and the days got long, they grumbled for water. God provided for their thirst. He made water come from a rock. Our Lord is a great Provider! In today's reading, however, God is speaking of a different thirst. He's not talking about the natural thirst our body has when we lack the proper amount of liquid. He is talking about the thirst within us for the things of God. Within each of us, regardless of our beliefs, there is a thirst, a hunger, to know God. It is a God-sized void in our life that only He can quench. This world is searching. It is searching for answers to crimes involving children. It is searching for answers to the rise in marriages which end in divorce. It is searching for reasons for teen suicides, disease epidemics and chronic depression. The world is striving for real leadership; real answers to real problems. Folks, the answer is Jesus. God has provided us with Living Water, designed especially for us so that we may quench the thirst within us. Maybe today you don't have some of the deep questions on your heart that are listed above, but you do have questions about the things in your life that don't seem to make sense. The Living Water is for you, too! Drink from the well! Call on Jesus and make Him the biggest and best part of your life. Ask Him to "water you down" with His mercy and grace and saturate you with the love that can be found only in Him.

Why are You Afraid?

And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. (Matthew 14:25-32 ESV). What a surprising question for Jesus to ask Peter! “Why did you doubt me?” Peter saw the wind, that's why! The wind was real. Peter was familiar with storms that came upon the water. He knew a storm could wipe him out; literally drown him. Sure, Jesus was real, but Peter had never walked on water before. And the wind seemed more real at the time, than did his faith in Jesus. He was afraid. Has Jesus ever asked you why you doubted Him? The answer is obvious. Just as Peter, who had enough faith to step out of the boat, but then saw the wind and became afraid, you and I face challenges in life that cause us to doubt Christ. Be honest with yourself and God, it happens! The problems are real! Sometimes the problems seem more real than our faith! I'm glad Matthew tells us that Jesus "immediately" reached out His hand. When Peter felt as though life was about to end, Jesus spared no time. He saved Peter before he could fall completely. Notice that Jesus didn't stop Peter from being afraid. Jesus could have stopped the wind that scared Peter. He could have calmed the storm prior to Peter getting out of the boat. Instead, Jesus didn't calm the wind until they were both safe, back in the boat. Jesus could have put placed Peter's feet upon solid ground, upon which to walk to Jesus. He did so when the Israelites crossed the Jordon. Instead, Jesus allowed Peter to sink when he saw the wind. He does this so that we might better learn to trust in Him completely. The principle is that sometimes we are afraid; sometimes we even "sink" a little. But, Jesus, our Savior, will "immediately" reach out His hand before we fall too far. If you are just barely hanging on in life right now, if you are being frightened by the wind, and you feel like you are sinking, look for Jesus’ hand. He is never far away. Have faith! You do not have to doubt!

Lessons from King Saul - Pt 3

So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering. As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out to meet him and greet him. Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the LORD your God, with which he commanded you. For then the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” (1 Samuel 13:9-14 ESV). Many years ago Mary purchased a plaque to go on my office wall. It was a reminder to me in many different ways. The inscription read: “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.” Saul thought he was doing the right thing. Remember that he had already waited seven days. With the enemy looming around all over the place, they were surely seven very long days. Saul's men were afraid. Saul was most likely afraid. Saul wanted to protect his kingdom. He knew worshipping God was the way to go, so, instead of obeying Samuel's commands, he went ahead with the burnt offering. So why was Samuel so harsh in his reprimand? As long as you intend to do right, you don't really have to obey God do you? Isn't it what you wanted to do that really matters? Who’s perfect anyway? We can't always obey God, can we? Shouldn't Saul be cut a little slack? He was just trying to protect his men. Yes, Saul had good intentions, but did he have “God intentions?” God wants commitment to His will. Jesus said, "not my will, but Thy will be done". God certainly wants no less from you and me. He expected full and complete obedience from Saul, and he expects it from us. Sometimes human nature takes over and we act in our own will. Saul felt "compelled" to take things into his own hands. It may seem natural from a world's eye view, but from God's perspective, Saul should have waited for Samuel to arrive. At the heart of this failure is a lack of trust. Saul simply did not trust Samuel or God to take care of him. It is easy in the middle of difficulty to rush ahead in fear. However, that gives the devil the victory. Waiting on God’s promise is the way to victory. Is there something you should be waiting on God for today?

Lessons from King Saul - Pt 2

Saul was still at Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering. As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out to meet him and greet him. Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” (1 Samuel 13:7-12 ESV). To understand what Saul is doing wrong here, you will need another scripture. In 1 Samuel 10:8 Samuel says to Saul "Go down ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely come down to you to sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, but you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do." What did Samuel, the man of God, tell Saul to do? He told him to wait, didn't he? He asked Saul to wait seven days. Samuel had told Saul that he would be there and that he would do the burnt offering at the end of seven days. Saul was supposed to wait it out. Why didn't he? It was because Saul took things into his own hands. He decided, on his own, that Samuel was taking to long. Saul saw his men afraid and running away, and he began to get discouraged. He took things into his own hands, and believing that the burnt offering would bring God's favor, he sacrificed there before the Lord, and before Samuel could arrive. Waiting for anything is one of the most difficult things to do. We all have future plans and goals that require us to be patient. Not long ago I was at the Tennessee Driver’s License office getting a new photo for a Driver’s License renewal and noticed a teenager with his dad filling out the paperwork for his license. It was obviously his first experience with the beaucracy of the state. It finally came his turn and when he was standing waiting to have his picture made, he said, “I’ve been waiting for this day all my life!” I’m sure that’s how he felt, though it is doubtful it was true! Waiting is difficult, however there are times when it is essential to our success. Saul lost everything simply because he could not wait as he was instructed. Have you ever taken things into your own hands? Do you sometimes fail to wait on God, before you start to panic? Do you get restless if you have to wait? I can tell you now that, as you will see over the next few days of this story, Saul is going to lose far more than he gained, by not waiting upon the Lord. Don’t make that mistake in your life. Commit yourself to obedient patience. Trust the Lord for his timing.

Lessons from King Saul - Pt 1

Saul lived for one year and then became king, and when he had reigned for two years over Israel, Saul chose three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. The rest of the people he sent home, every man to his tent. Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Philistines that was at Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear.” And all Israel heard it said that Saul had defeated the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become a stench to the Philistines. And the people were called out to join Saul at Gilgal. And the Philistines mustered to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude. They came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth-aven. When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble (for the people were hard pressed), the people hid themselves in caves and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and in cisterns. (1 Samuel 13:1-6 ESV). Saul was Israel's first king. Have you ever wondered why he lost favor with God? He was well qualified to be king. Better qualified, some in the world might say, than even King David. He was handsome, a young man with family position, and strong among his peers. Yet, Saul was removed from power and the kingdom was given to another. Not only would Saul no longer be king, but also even worse from an Israelite's perspective, the kingdom of Israel did not even remain in the family lineage of Saul. Today, we see the event that led to Saul’s downfall. At this point in Israel's history, they were not strong militarily. The Philistines, or the bad guys, could muster up a powerful threat to the Israelites. When Saul's men see their predicament, they ran in fear. The troops, who remained with Saul, were scared useless. Keep in mind; these are the same Israelites that God fed with manna and quail for forty years in the wilderness. This was God's people. They had been promised victory, wherever they set their feet. God had already ordained their final days, and yet when a storm arises, they run for their lives. Does this sound familiar? Ever feel really confident in your own abilities, and in your relationship to God, but then a storm comes along, which looks bigger than you can handle, and you are ready to hide your face until it passes over? It is a daily struggle to be consistent in your faith, because storms, real storms, do come your way. Sometimes we want to run and hide and at other times we try to handle them in our own way. This week, as we look at the loss of power in Saul's kingship, my prayer is that we discover the kind of person God wants us to be when the storms of life start thundering! We don’t need to run and hide or handle them in our way. There is a better way with Christ.

Servant Leadership

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:3-5 ESV). Today’s reading is indicative of Jesus’ attitude toward leadership. Jesus was the perfect example of servant leadership. It is difficult to imagine Jesus, the King of kings washing the feet of the disciples. Think of it, the Creator got on His knees to show the full extent of His love. While I don't quite understand that kind of love, I do appreciate it. And, I do know why Christ might have been persuaded to humble Himself in such a way. Jesus knew the responsibility given to Him, He knew where He came from, and He knew where He was going. Jesus knew that God, His Father, had given Him ultimate authority. He knew that He had power over the devil because God had already promised Him victory. He didn't have to fear embarrassment, because God was protecting His reputation. Do you know the power God has given you? He said you can "resist the devil and he will flee you". He promised, "Those who hope in Him will never be put to shame". He declared that you and I "can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". You and I, the children of God have power through Christ! Jesus also knew that He came from God. Christ was there at the formation of the heavens and the earth. He was giving His approval when God spoke the universe into existence. He already knew the feeling of sitting at the right hand of God. Jesus' permanent address was Heaven. Those who have accepted Christ have also come from God. We are new creations. We are joint heirs with Christ. We are aliens, fellow pilgrims in a foreign land. This world is not our home. We are God's children; born under the law, but born again into grace. Finally, Jesus knew where He was going! He knew God would not forsake Him, but would come to take Him Home again. You and I have that promise even today. Christ is waiting for the Father to give the signal, and then He will come to get God's children. Those of us, who are saved, will be going home! We can be servants, we can face the trials of another day, because we know God's power is in us, we know we belong to Him, and we know we will one day, perhaps very soon, be going Home!

The Perfect 10

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:20-24 ESV). Gymnastics is an incredible sporting event. While I don’t pretend to understand all of the intricacies of the sport, I do know these athletes are amazing. Their strength and agility are incredible. Many sportscasters have discussed the scoring and said that the “perfect 10” is an impossible score to attain. While Mary Lou Retton dazzled the judges and was given a ten in 1984 for her floor exercise and Nadia Comaneci did the same eight years later, there seems to be no possibility of a repeat in today’s gymnastics world. An Associated Press article I read stated, “… those moments almost surely won’t be repeated anytime soon. The perfect 10 has slowly — perhaps sadly — filtered its way out of gymnastics, a victim of increased difficulty in events, tougher judging and, some critics say, maybe some hardheadedness and ignorance among those who run it.” “Actually, I think they thought there were too many 10 scores,” said Martha Karolyi who, along with her husband Bela, coached Comaneci and Retton during their perfect-10 moments. The AP article explained that where perfection used to be something that could be sensed or felt, as well as seen, it is now something that must be measured according to the rules of the very strict, very long, very complex Code of Points to which each judge and gymnast must adhere. The Code of Points is nothing new, but it is much more detailed than it was in the past, and calls for two or three “bonus” moves in each event simply to get to a routine that could be eligible for a 10. In the past, gymnasts used to strive for a perfect 10; these days, they strive to develop a routine with a “start value” of 10, meaning it could conceivably earn a perfect score if it were done flawlessly. It seems very complicated to me. I do know that these men and women are very gifted, whether perfect or not! This morning’s reading is a part of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples. He desires that we be “perfect.” And, he gives us the definition of that perfection. There isn’t a Code of Points or any performance of skills that will determine our perfection. It is our relationship to him that makes us a perfect 10! I will likely never do anything perfect. However, I can be perfect in the grace of God through Christ. That comes through faith. Are you perfect? You can be. Trust in him today!

A Lesson in Grace

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:4-10 ESV). Paul understood God's grace. As a persecutor of Christians, Paul stood and watched the stoning of Christian martyr Stephen. He had made his goal to keep people away from learning of the gospel of Christ. Now, as Paul writes to the Ephesian church, Paul is a chief spokesman for God's Kingdom. He has been elevated to a position of prominence in the New Testament church. Deserving death for his actions, Paul is given prominence. Paul understood grace. A subscriber to the morning devotionals painted a picture of grace for me recently. Having one natural child, they have unselfishly opened their home to six other children, whom they have, or are in the process of adopting. Their children, who instantly start to call them "Mom" and "Dad", come from various races and backgrounds. They are truly a "blended", God-made family. One pair of the children is a brother and sister. Because of misbehavior of the boy, the two have been tossed from foster home to foster home all their lives. When my friends started the adoption process they would finally have a real home. Recently the boy began once again to cause problems. The fear this time, however, was that the boy would cause physical harm to others in the household. They knew they had to do something to protect the other children. The boy has since gone through psychiatric tests, which have revealed a mild mental retardation. He has been placed temporarily under the care of doctors. Perhaps now the boy can get the help he needs. The picture of grace, however, came from the little girl. When she learned that her brother would leave the home, she assumed her position would remain as it had all her life. She assumed she would have to leave the house as well. She asked her adoptive parents "Do I have to leave too?" They quickly assured her that she is now home. She never has to leave again, no matter what! Do you think this little girl can understand grace? I would suggest that her concept of grace is far greater than mine will ever be. Isn't that what God did for us all? Deserving nothing but damnation, God, who is rich in mercy, made a way for you and I to live with Him throughout eternity. God made a way for sinners, like us, to come into His presence. God caused His Son to give up royalty, lower Himself to the point of death on the Cross-, so that you and I might be saved. We become a part of the family of God, based solely on what Jesus did at Calvary! That’s real grace!

Speaking to the Rock

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water. So you shall bring water out of the rock for them and give drink to the congregation and their cattle.” And Moses took the staff from before the LORD, as he commanded him. Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. (Numbers 20:7-11 ESV). God had shown Moses that He could bring water from a rock before. Moses had struck a rock with the staff and seen a gusher come out to quench the thirst of the people. There is something different about this occasion, however, notice the highlighted verse. The first time Moses struck the rock with water, he was obeying God exactly. God was pleased, Moses was rewarded, and the people were satisfied. This time, God is not happy, Moses loses reward, and we are left to examine why. Do you see a difference in what God commanded and what Moses did? Read the verses again. God said to "speak" the water out of the rock. Moses struck the rock with his stick two times. Moses may have thought to himself, "God, this is a hard rock. To get water out of this rock, I'm going to have to strike it like I did before." Moses, however, did not fully obey God, and God was not pleased. Thankfully, God didn't punish the people for Moses' disobedience. The first time, God had Moses strike the rock. No doubt this took great faith on the part of Moses. Who ever heard of water coming out of a rock? Moses may have looked pretty silly banging on that rock had water not come out. The second time, God called Moses to have even greater faith. Moses was to simply speak and the water would come out. Now you may be thinking what I thought the first time I read this: Big Deal! But, it was a big deal. God wanted Moses to grow in his faith. God wanted to see evidence of his deeper faith. As we grow in our Christian life, God will require more of us. In fact, what He calls us to do won't always make sense, at least not from a natural perspective. But when God calls us to do something, we are to do exactly as He tells us to do! God wants to see that our faith in Him is growing. God’s commands are not random or without purpose. He sees the future when we can only see the present. Trust him with your future. It will always be better that way!

Organic Synthesis

“What profit is an idol when its maker has shaped it, a metal image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation when he makes speechless idols! Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake; to a silent stone, Arise! Can this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in it. But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.” (Habakkuk 2:18-20 ESV). First, I need to write a disclaimer. I am using an illustration that takes me well beyond my experience or expertise. The science of Organic Synthesis is my oldest son’s area of expertise. In addition, it may sound as if I am negative toward the science and its uses. That is NOT the case. Without the countless hours of research and development spent by these dedicated scientists we would not have many of the wonderful drugs and conveniences of our day. Wisdom is given by God to benefit mankind. Folks like Kyle work diligently each day to improve our health and well being through chemistry. However, there are some interesting applications that bring me to the point of our reading this morning. Did you know that many of our favorite foods are “flavored” with chemicals? A typical artificial strawberry flavor contains the following ingredients: amyl acetate, amyl butyrate, amyl valerate, anethol, anisyl formate, benzyl acetate, benzyl isobutyrate, butyric acid, cinnamyl isobutyrate, cinnamyl valerate, cognac essential oil, diacetyl, dipropyl ketone, ethyl acetate, ethyl amyl ketone, ethyl butyrate, ethyl cinnamate, ethyl heptanoate, ethyl heptylate, ethyl lactate, ethyl methylphenylglycidate, ethyl nitrate, ethyl propionate, ethyl valerate, heliotropin, hydroxyphenyl-2-butanone (10 percent solution in alcohol), a-ionone, isobutyl anthranilate, isobutyl butyrate, lemon essential oil, maltol, 4-methylacetophenone, methyl anthranilate, methyl benzoate, methyl cinnamate, methyl heptine carbonate, methyl naphthyl ketone, methyl salicylate, mint essential oil, neroli essential oil, nerolin, neryl isobutyrate, orris butter, phenethyl alcohol, rose, rum ether, g-undecalactone, vanillin, and solvent. (Don’t be too impressed with my list… I merely copied it from an article. I can’t even pronounce most of these!) Sounds bad, doesn’t it? It’s not. All of these combinations are synthesized in a way to enhance flavor and save on the cost of production. If the food industry relied on “natural” flavors the cost of most of our foods would be astronomical. Just the flavor in Coca Cola would increase more than a 1,000 times over the present cost of one-half cent per can without synthesized flavors. And, this is not to mention the real benefit to our health. There are countless drugs that simply would be unavailable because of cost and rarity of occurrence if not for organic synthesis. So, what’s the point? It is this: we must never forget the source of all our knowledge and benefit. Habakkuk reminds us that there is only one God and he is the only one to be worshipped. Man has done some incredible things with the tools God has given him. But, we are not gods. There is only one altar to bow before. It is the one before the throne of God, the creator and sustainer of all things. Man is indeed brilliant at times, but his brilliance pails in comparison to the great wonder of our God. Only what God has made can be trusted completely. What are you trusting today?

Gideon and the Fleece

Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.” And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew. (Judges 6:36-40 ESV). Today’s verses refer to the famous “throwing out the fleece” story of Gideon. Gideon wanted to be certain of what God was calling him to do, so he threw out a fleece and ask God to do a miracle with it. If you know the passage then you also know that God did just as Gideon requested and Gideon asked him to do it again. God performed two miracles to help Gideon overcome his uncertainty and fear. In my many years as a Christian I have heard people “throwing out a fleece” many times. They will attempt to put God to the test to insure that God is indeed speaking to them. I’m not going to advise anyone NOT to “throw out a fleece”, but I am going to caution against putting God to the test. Christians today have a distinct advantage over Gideon. Gideon lived in the days of the law. We live in the days of grace. Gideon had the rare opportunity to talk with God face to face. Not everyone in those days had that experience. Today, if you are a Christian, you can talk to God anytime, because you have within you the Holy Spirit of God. Again, I’m not saying don’t use the fleece test, but what I am saying is that God wants a relationship with you and me that is so strong that we can clearly understand the counsel of God through the Holy Spirit’s influence in our life. God wants us to be able to discern His guidance. God has given us His Spirit, and the counsel of others who also have His Spirit within them, so that we can walk in the Spirit of God and always know and obey His commands. If you are having trouble understanding God’s plan for your life or hearing from God, my advice would not be to improve your testing of God’s will, but to improve your relationship with God. In the coming days, we will see some practical ways to do that. Until then, measure the voice you hear by the words you have read in the Scripture. They should be the same!